Milos Kerkez was criticized by Liverpool legend Steve McManaman (photo: George Wood/Getty Images).
Liverpool legend Steve McManaman has admitted he is concerned about the Reds’ defense in Sunday’s defeat at Community Shield’s Crystal Palace.
The Reds were held in a 2-2 draw by the stubborn Eagles side, winning 3-2 on a penalty at Wembley Stadium.
McManaman then seemed less impressed with new left-back Milos Kerquez as he took responsibility for the first palace goal.
Hungary International joined Liverpool this summer from Bournemouth and he should be a great signing in the end, but he wasn’t off to a great start with today’s new club.
Milos Kerquez accused Liverpool of being recognized by the palace
Hugo Ekitike had given the LFC an early lead, but Jean-Philippe Mateta equalising from the penalty spot soon after.
In the build-up, Kerquez played the attacker over the palace attacker. McManaman was worried about the moment when Liverpool’s defense seemed a little less convincing.
“It was Kerquez playing on everyone’s side,” the former England International told TNT Sports, as Metro quoted.
“Everyone was moving forward, the left back stepped backwards. It gave the palace an opportunity, and the palace was exploiting it a lot of time.”
He added: “I don’t think that the two goals today have been taken away from Crystal Palace, but when we’re talking about Liverpool’s defensive issues, they were defensive mistakes.
“There’s something to work on, and the new players in the new system, the better you get used to playing with each other.
“But they are a bit vulnerable defensively, which is why there is a source of concern.”
Arne Slot worries about Liverpool’s defense
Speaking after the game, Arne Slot was also worried about Liverpool’s poor defensive record in the preseason.
See below as Dutch tacticians tackle the problem…
Slot admits that his attacking players actually look better in some way than most of his previous campaigns, but he is clearly worried that his team doesn’t seem solid anymore.
Is this the result of such a change in my bag one summer? Jeremy Frimon has replaced Trent Alexander Arnold, especially the departing, but Kerquez’s arrival may see him start before Andrew Robertson as he does today.